What are organic materials?

A:

Organic materials are substances in the soil that were once alive. Dead plants, animals, bacteria and fungi are all examples of organic material. Organic material is distinguished from organic matter by the amount of decomposition that has taken place. Organic matter has decomposed as much as it can.

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Organic material is important for proper soil health, as it stores a lot of nutrients and water, according to the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation. Decomposing organisms in the soil break the material down, extracting energy and nutrients in the process and recycling the inorganic substances back into the food chain. Most decomposers are bacteria, but protists, fungi and earthworms also help break down organic material into organic matter.

The starting materials for photosynthesis are carbon dioxide, water and sunlight. Green plants have special cell structures called chloroplasts that contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. When chlorophyll is excited by sunlight in the presence of carbon dioxide and water, green plants are able to synthesize carbohydrates through photosynthesis.

Saprotrophic fungi absorb nutrients from decaying organic matter. They release acids and enzymes that break dead tissue down into smaller particles so it can be absorbed. These mushrooms are extremely important to the food chain because they help recycle dead matter back into the soil.

Fungi can live in a variety of habitats that are classified as either marine or terrestrial: in the soil, in water, and on plants and animals. Evidence suggests that some fungi have evolved closely with their partnered plant or animal to develop a productive symbiotic relationship. Fungi, which include yeast, mushrooms and mold, are classified separately from plants, animals and bacteria.